South East Asia

Can Iran balance dependence on China with economic openness on India?

The International North-South Transport Corridor project has become a matter of urgency for Russia, India and Iran, as it would help Moscow and Tehran develop new markets and evade sanctions. This month, even as Tehran took one step further toward Beijing with the formalization of its membership of the China-led …

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China’s New Financial Regulatory Framework Finds Its Feet – Analysis

On 16 March 2023, Beijing released an official plan to reform Party and state institutions. This document lays out plans to address deficiencies in the ability of the Chinese government’s own institutions to lead the nation’s development. Part of the 2023 plan is to reform and restructure the financial regulatory …

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25 Years Of India-France Strategic Partnership: Resilient In The Darkest Storms – Analysis

Prime Minister Modi has just wrapped up a two-day visit to France, where he was guest of honour at France’s Bastille Day Parade. This is a rare honour, given that it’s not every year that the parade has a foreign chief guest—the last time was in 2018 when Singapore PM …

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India’s foreign policy dilemma: Counter or cooperate with China?

New Delhi’s inclination towards the Atlanticist core contradicts its position as a self-reliant economic and military force, and hinders its aspirations for Eurasian integration through collaboration with China and Russia. In an era marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics and strategic realignments, India’s evolving role as a “supplying and maintenance agent” …

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What Will Iran’s SCO Membership Mean for Security Arrangements in Central Asia?

On July 4, Iran officially became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during a virtual summit hosted by India for the SCO Heads of State Council (Shargh Daily, July 4). Iran initially joined as an “observer member without voting rights” at the July 2005 summit in Astana …

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Germany’s New China Strategy Prudent, Highlights Indo-Pacific – Analysis

Germany released its first China strategy this week, which calls Beijing a “systemic rival” and stresses the need for Europe’s largest economy to reduce economic dependence on its largest trading partner. Analysts tell VOA the policy shift outlined in the 64-page report that notes “China has changed” highlights Germany’s attempt …

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Is Russia About to Add Ideology to Its Chinese Imports?

Beijing has nothing to offer Moscow in terms of ideology, but will gladly share its ideas for the economy and political control.The world’s first center for studying the ideas of Chinese leader Xi Jinping has opened in Moscow within Russia’s Institute of China and Modern Asia, part of the Academy …

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Is It Time To Be Worried About Nuclear Terrorism In Pakistan? – OpEd

Due to the deteriorating political and security situation in the country, many speculate that Pakistan’s nuclear program could fall victim to intrusion by terror or fanatic groups. While the subject has been raised on the international forum numerous times and countered effectively as many times, it is important to take …

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India-US Defense Partnership: Implications For Pakistan – OpEd

India is one of the world’s largest armaments importers and continues to expand the scope and range of its defence and strategic cooperation with countries like the U.S., France, Israel, and Russia. In 2016, the U.S. recognised India as a “Major Defence Partner”, a title that consents on India buying …

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Pakistan: Petition Seeking Removal Of Terrorism Charges Against Blasphemy Accused Dismissed

Imran Rehman, a 32-year-old Catholic Christian man, has been unjustly detained in Camp Jail Lahore for the past ten months on charges of blasphemy and terrorism. Imran, a devoted father of two daughters, was working at the Lahore Metro Bus ticket office when he was taken into custody by the …

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